Japeri, Brazil

Japeri sits at the foot of the Serra do Mar mountains, surrounded by rivers and just a train ride from Rio de Janeiro. The Engenheiro Pedreira district is home to Brazil’s first public golf course, a rare perk for a city this size. But don’t expect a polished expat scene — this is a working-class municipality with limited amenities.

Living in Japeri means dealing with the realities of a smaller Brazilian city. The Central do Brasil railroad connects you to Rio, but local infrastructure can feel patchy. The rivers and mountains offer natural beauty, but the urban areas are densely packed. Safety varies by neighborhood, and petty crime is a concern in some parts.

Japeri works for expats who want proximity to Rio without the city’s high costs, but it’s not ideal for those seeking a cushy retiree lifestyle or a thriving digital nomad hub. It’s best for Portuguese speakers who can navigate local systems and don’t mind trading convenience for affordability.